The Department of Defense‘s Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) serves as a means for veterans to appeal their cases with the possibility of modifying their assigned rating or disability retirement status. (Read more: http://bit.ly/2iw0SuZ) . If vets disagree with the decision Veterans Affairs (VA) made on their disability compensation claim, the first step is to formally tell VA that they disagree. Vets can seek assistance from their local Veterans Service Organization (VSO), sit down with a representative at their local VA office, or call …

The effects of exposing individuals to burn pit emissions are not well understood, and the Department of Defense (DOD) has not fully assessed these health risks, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. DOD officials stated that there are short-term effects from being exposed to toxins from the burning of waste. However, the officials also stated that DOD does not have enough data to confirm whether direct exposure to burn pits causes long-term health issues. GAO recommends establishing policies and procedures and ensuring research …

House and Senate lawmakers working out a compromise on their respective defense policy bills will address several military health provisions as they finalize the legislation. Discrepancies to be addressed include access to urgent care and other medical appointments, mental health services for troops, family members and veterans, pharmacy fees and birth control.

The Defense Health Agency is proposing to cut the number of Tricare regions from three to two, a cost-savings plan that would sharply increase competition for the next round of lucrative Pentagon health care contracts. According to a draft solicitation for Tricare contracts released online Monday, the Defense Department plans to change the contract regions from the current configuration of North, South and West regions to just East and West regions. Companies would be allowed to bid for both regions but could win only one …

Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee vowed Tuesday to clear with unusual speed a bill to roll back the cap on cost-of-living adjustments for military retirees under age 62, long before it can ding anyone’s retired pay or cause more damage to troop morale.

“It is our intention and belief that it should be immediately repealed, and as soon after (saying) ‘immediately’ as is humanly possible in a legislative body,” said Sen. Carl Levin, committee chairman.